Second generation smart tachograph V2: Mandatory to comply with European rules

Driving without an approved tachograph in the Mediterranean Corridor can have serious consequences. In Spain, a failure to comply with regulation 1054/2020 can result in a fine of up to €2,001. In France, the penalties are even harsher, with one year in prison, a fine of 30,000 euros. Italy also imposes hefty fines, ranging from €866 to €3,464. Slovenia applies fines of up to €1,500 for failing to comply with the installation of the required tachograph, while in Hungary the penalty reaches HUF 800,000, around €2,057.01.

The Mediterranean Corridor crosses six countries of the European Union: Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary for more than 6000 km. This route plays a fundamental role for companies engaged in road freight transport as it guarantees seamless connectivity between ports, cities, industrial and logistics areas.

If your vehicles cross this route, it is important that you are aware of Regulation 1054/2020, which establishes that first-generation vehicles, as of August 21, 2023, must have a second-generation smart tachograph V2 installed.

You should also take into account the transition period agreed in the face of a possible lack of stock to meet all the demand for registrations of vehicles for professional use, which opened the door to applying flexibility in terms of inspection. In fact, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport (DG MOVE) suggested that the replacement of the V1 smart tachograph with a tachograph V2 in vehicles registered between 21 August 2023 and 31 December 2023 could be extended until 18 August 2025.

This extension of the transition period was intended to facilitate the gradual installation of the new device and ensure that transport operators had sufficient time to comply with European regulations.

However, the countries of the European Union have already taken action and published the penalties for not driving on their roads with the approved tachograph. Here’s a summary of them:

How are transitional measures for second-generation smart tachograph V2 being implemented in Spain?

In Spain, the following action will be taken:

Vehicles registered for the first time between 21 August and 31 December 2023, under the pre-registration regime, which are equipped with a second-generation tachograph version 1, have until 18 August 2025 to replace it with a second-generation tachograph version 2.

Vehicles registered for the first time between 21 August and 31 December 2023 and which are not included in this extraordinary pre-registration measure, the leniency proposal indicated by DG MOVE of the European Commission may be applied, i.e. they have until 18 August 2025 to replace it with a second-generation tachograph V2.

In the event of a breakdown of a version 1 smart tachograph installed in a vehicle, registered before August 21, 2023, it will have to be replaced by a second-generation smart tachograph V2.

If the mandatory tachograph version is not available, an administrative penalty of 2,001 euros may be applied. In addition, the vehicle may be immobilized and could result in loss of good repute.  

How Are Transitional Measures for Second-Generation Smart Tachograph V2 being implemented in France?

In France, exceptional transitional arrangements were adopted for the registration of new vehicles equipped with second-generation version 1 smart tachographs. To this end, a temporary exception measure was added, which allows heavy vehicles with a provisional registration certificate of type WW, valid and established no later than August 20, 2023, to circulate loaded under this provisional registration certificate.

The purpose of these exceptional transitional provisions was to respond to an unprecedented situation of massive influx of registration applications relating to heavy vehicles.

In this context, it should be noted that this instruction specifies that the deadline for obtaining a provisional registration certificate to benefit from its provisions is 20 August 2023. In addition, you must take into account the maximum period of validity of such a provisional registration certificate, which is 6 months. In fact, the exception provided for in this order ends on February 21, 2024.

Forgery of electronic documents or data, providing false information, irregular use, modification of control devices or failure to install the corresponding tachograph is punishable by one year in prison and a fine of 30,000 euros. In addition, your vehicle will be immobilized until the problem has been rectified.

How it is in Italy?

In Italy, driving a vehicle without an approved tachograph will result in an administrative penalty ranging from €866 to €3,464. In addition, it is associated with a suspension of the driving licence from fifteen days to three months.

Likewise, the owner of the vehicle or transport authorisation can also be sanctioned with a fine ranging from 831 to 3,328 euros and will have to regularize the equipment within 10 days.

How are transitional measures for second-generation smart tachograph V2 being implemented in Slovenia ?

Regarding the introduction of the second-generation smart tachograph V2, the country has strictly adhered to the guidelines set by the European Commission. In this regard, Slovenia has not experienced any significant difficulties in the supply of the new smart tachographs.

In Slovenia, failure to install the relevant tachograph, as provided for in Regulation 1054/2020, carries a significant financial penalty. According to current regulations, drivers who do not have the required smart tachograph can face a fine of up to €1,500.

What about Hungary ? 

Failure to have a second-generation smart tachograph V2 installed within the specified timeframes can result in a significant fine in Hungary. According to the regulations, the penalty for this infringement is HUF 800,000, which, at the exchange rate, in euros, represents approximately 2,057.01 euros.

Driving without an approved tachograph in the Mediterranean Corridor can have severe economic consequences. The penalties imposed in countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia and Hungary are significant, ranging from hefty administrative fines to potentially severe legal repercussions. To avoid such consequences and ensure compliance with European regulation 1054/2014, it is essential to equip vehicles with the second-generation smart tachograph V2.

Protect your operations and ensure legality on your journeys along the Mediterranean Corridor. Don’t risk being sanctioned!